Russia’s 44-time representative Igor Denisov has publicly called on President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine. “It’s scary, terrible. The war must end,” the 38-year-old former footballer said in an interview that was posted on YouTube on Wednesday.
The former captain of the choir, who spent his entire career in Russia and last played for Lokomotiv Moscow three years ago, was not afraid to use the words “war” for the conflict on Ukrainian territory, which in his homeland is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The scheme recognizes only the term ‘special operations’.
“I’m afraid I may end up in prison or even lose my life because of these words, but I say what it’s like,” he said in a statement. interview with Russian commentator Nobel Arustamyan.
Denisov, who won the UEFA Cup with Zenit St. Petersburg in 2008, also said that he sent a video to Putin shortly after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (February 24 this year) stating that he was willing to fall to his knees in front of him, to stop the war.
“I’m a proud person, but what does it matter about one human life, a Dennis?” said a former participant in the Euro or World Cup.
In the same interview, the former defensive midfielder also said that he agreed with Western sanctions against Russia and Russian athletes, as he said the whole country was responsible for the situation.
“Our country has invaded another, I think it’s the fault of us all. If I say it’s wrong, nothing will change. Likewise, if a thousand people or a million say it. Only when all 140-150 million people realize that it’s wrong, so something will change, “Denisov added.
However, the former midfielder, with his criticism, is rather an exception among well-known Russian footballers. Of the active representatives, only Fyodor Smolov publicly criticized the invasion of Ukraine.
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